Electrical Safety in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers

June is National Safety Month

As part of National Safety Month, this article covers electrical safety in the workplace. Misuse or improper maintenance of standard office electrical systems can lead to serious injury or even death.

Every company should follow OSHA guidelines in preventing tragic electrical mishaps in the workplace. These rules need to be enforced on an individual level to encourage safety in all electrical aspects. Employers who haven’t established procedures and standards on electrical safety might be held liable in case of injury.

What if these aren’t made clear to you as an employee? What can you do to make sure you’re work habits are safe? We’ve covered the sources of these injuries and some tips on how to promote better electrical safety in the workplace.

Types of Workplace Electrical Injuries and How They Happen

The most common electrical injuries that occur in the workplace involve burns, falls, electrical shock, and electrocution. These injuries happen with direct contact with exposed electrical circuits and energized conductors as well as contact or exposure to electrical arcs. Injuries range in severity, but more severe burns can damage internal tissues or even harm the eyes. Pressure from an arc blast can collapse lungs or even cause deafness. It is imperative to prevent such damage to the workers in your office. Run through a checklist regularly and ensure all employees receive training on proper electrical safety.

Related: 7 Ways to Avoid Electrical Shock

Ten Tips to Promote Electrical Safety in the Workplace

1. Don’t use equipment that is not approved by a national testing lab. Purchase your electrical products from a trusted source.
2. Use only double-insulated electrical equipment that has proper grounding.
3. Electrical panels require a 3-foot clearance on all sides.
4. Turn off all electrical appliances at the completion of the workday. Unplug them during cleaning and repair. Do not use them when your hands are wet.
5. Refrain from forcing a plug into an outlet. If prongs are bent, you may need to straighten them or dispose of the faulty cord.
6. Do not pull a cord to unplug. Instead, hold the plug to ensure wires are not broken and sparks do not emit from the outlet.
7. Outlets should not be overloaded. Also, be sure you are not plugging in two extension cords together.
8. Do not create trip hazards with cords. Make sure they do not run across a doorway or underneath carpeting. Tape down any necessary cords with a bright colored tape.
9. Check equipment and cording regularly to recognize hazards. Appliances that get extremely hot, smoke, spark, or emit unusual sounds can be a sign of electrical failures.
10. Find an electrician when assistance is needed. Do not try to handle dangerous electrical hazards by yourself.

Summary: Electrical Safety in the Workplace

 As an employer, you need to take proper steps to ensure safety for all your employees. You need a checklist to refer to that promotes electrical safety in the workplace for all team members. Review regulations and guidelines provided by OSHA to establish a program you can follow to prevent electrical injury. Consult with a professional electrician where there are any doubts.